A Quick Stop at the Fudge Factory in Historic Downtown Madison, Indiana

I visited the Fudge Factory in historic downtown Madison, Indiana July 24, 2009. The Shop is located at 630 West Main Street of historic downtown Madison, Indiana. If you love fudge, this is certainly a fudge lover's paradise. There were lots of free samples in a tantalizing display on top of the fudge counter. A nice and friendly employee behind the counter seemed pleased to offer their samples. The Fudge Factory produces more than 50 different flavors of fudge. Some flavors displayed today were:

• Peanut butter (an old time favorite of mine)

• Chocolate

• Chocolate with black walnuts

• Peanut butter with Reese cups

I noticed a nice display of salsas and jam all made in Madison, Indiana and available in 20 ounce jars. At the time of this visit (July 2009) a 20 ounce jar sold for $6. Another display was filled with water taffy.

I was surprised to learn there is more to the Fudge Factory than Fudge.

In the front of the store there is a delightful toy and gift shop. The store boasts of having the largest selection of Melissa & Doug (Lights, Camera and Interaction, Inc.) wooden toys and puzzles in the Madison area. They also carry the LGB line of toy trains in addition to a variety of Thomas & Friends Toys. Items I saw were:

• Toy trains

• Wooden educational toys

• A variety of stuffed animals

• A beautiful bird cage sat way up high on one of the displays

• Toys displayed from ceiling to floor and in every corner of this cozy little shop makes this place a kid's paradise.

Local artists contribute works which decorate the maroon walls. A painting of "the Beatles" caught my eye as I looked around the room.

The original building was built in 1857 in a convenient location of the historic district. Antique and specialty shops, historic sites, the Ohio River, restaurants, coffee shops, churches library and wineries are all within walking distance.

In addition, there are two large suites, a private entrance, private baths, cable television, central air and refrigerators. There is also a guest house available. This was news to me as well as the toy and gift shop. It pays to stop and look around as well as to ask many questions.

If you stay in their guest house or one of the suites you can enjoy fudge samples in the evening and coffee from various locations in the morning. If you want a quick lunch, just look across the street. You will see the Attic Coffee Mill Café, Madison's most noted specialty retail destination that serves coffee, tea, cappuccinos, lattes, grilled sandwiches soups, salads, pastries and desserts.

All this combined made my little stop in here just a bit more interesting. I passed by the Fudge Factory hundreds of times and never stopped in.

Don't ask me how I liked the fudge because I was too busy taking photos and forgot to sample it!

I was impressed by the friendliness and kindness of the employee who allowed me to take her picture.

Oh, and don't forget to notice the unique decorations on the sidewalk of the front entrance as you walk in and out. I took some pictures of what was on display today. I notice they change decorations on the sidewalk as what I saw displayed today was not there the last time I drove by.